Urban Meyer: "Chris (Rainey) is not a violent person"

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday morning that he consulted with multiple people, including Florida president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley, before deciding to allow WR Chris Rainey to have an opportunity to rejoin the football team.

Meyer said Rainey has a history of speaking without thinking, but isn't violent.

"Chris has a history of opening his mouth and careless things coming out of his mouth,'' Meyer said on Wednesday's SEC teleconference. "It's just the first time it's anything like this. So part of his getting back is correcting that issue. The second part of it is community-service involved. And then just keeping an eye out and making sure there are no other issues. Chris is not a violent person. Chris at times he's said careless things. So we've just got to make sure that doesn't happen.''

Rainey was arrested on Sept. 14 for allegedly sending a former girlfriend threatening text messages, that included the words it's time to die. She told a judge in open court during his first appearance that the situation had been blown out of proportion and that she never intended for him to be arrested or feared for her safety. She also refused to press charges.

On Sept. 27, Rainey pled to a misdemeanor stalking charge and received deferred prosecution, which included a stipulation that he attends anger management counseling.

Meyer said he did not meet with the former girlfriend, but someone spoke with her on his behalf and relayed her feelings and opinions back to him. He also said he met with multiple people involved in the situation including professionals who are currently working with Rainey.

Rainey remains on scholarship, but a timetable for when he will play again remains uncertain. Meyer said Rainey must fulfill the obligations of a "contract" which has been agreed upon before he can return.

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